Heifer Village was a finalist for 2010 Arkansas’ Natural State Award

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Heifer Village, Heifer Internationals hands-on, global education facility that illustrates the organizations solutions to global hunger and poverty, was a finalist for the Natural State Award, part of Arkansas 2010 Henry Awards.

Winners and finalists were revealed recently at a Governors Banquet in Eureka Springs. Winner of the Natural State Award was the Battle of Prairie Grove Civil War Reenactment. Finalists were Heifer Village and Caroling in the Caverns, Mountain View.

Its a distinct honor to be recognized for our contributions to Arkansas tourism industry, especially since Heifer Village is not just a destination for residents and visitors, but a source for learning, for knowledge, for taking action, said Michelle Izaguirre, senior director of learning centers.

The award is given annually to a community, organization, special event or attraction which stands out in the crowd because of its unique appeal, media coverage, creative approach, and/or enhancement of community pride, thus benefitting the states quality of life. The Henry Awards honor Henri de Tonti, the man historians consider to be among the first Arkansas Travelers.

We are, naturally, delighted to have been nominated for the prestigious prize, said Jim Rollings, director of Heifer Village. Especially since this is our first year of operation (Heifer Village opened in June 2009).

Heifer Village, a key component of Heifer Internationals education programming, introduces visitors to the possibility of a world free of hunger and poverty. After experiencing the root causes of hunger and poverty as well as some real solutions, visitors learn about individual actions they can take in their own communities, resources they can utilize to learn more about specific topics and groups they can join that are already engaged.

Heifers mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 50 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant.